A nurse is collecting data from a client who is receiving clopidogrel following the placement of a cardiac stent. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an adverse effect of this medication?
Hypothermia
Hypotension
Black stools
Constipation
The Correct Answer is C
A. Hypothermia: Clopidogrel is not typically associated with temperature regulation and wouldn't cause hypothermia.
B. Hypotension: While some medications can cause low blood pressure (hypotension), clopidogrel is not a common culprit.
C. Black stools: This can be a sign of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which is a potential side effect of clopidogrel. Clopidogrel inhibits platelet aggregation, which can increase bleeding risk.
D. Constipation: Constipation is not a common side effect of clopidogrel.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The client sprinkles flaxseeds on breakfast food every day. Flaxseeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can have antithrombotic effects. However, their impact on INR (International Normalized Ratio), the measure of warfarin's anticoagulant effect, is not well-established. While it's important to monitor the client's dietary intake of foods rich in vitamin K or those with potential antithrombotic effects, such as flaxseeds, this is not the priority finding among the options provided.
B. The client keeps a small supply of vitamin K tablets on hand for emergency use. This is the correct answer. Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin, and the client should not keep a supply of vitamin K tablets on hand for emergency use. Warfarin's anticoagulant effect is carefully monitored through regular INR checks, and adjustments to the dosage are made accordingly. The presence of vitamin K tablets suggests a potential risk of self-adjusting warfarin dosage, which can lead to fluctuations in INR levels and increase the risk of thromboembolic or bleeding events.
C. The client uses garlic as a daily dietary supplement. Garlic is known to have potential antithrombotic effects and can interact with warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding. However, its impact on INR levels may vary among individuals. While it's important to consider the use of garlic as a dietary supplement, it is not the priority finding among the options provided.
D. The client consistently eats fish for dinner twice weekly. Fish consumption, particularly those rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon or mackerel, can have antithrombotic effects and may affect INR levels. However, the client's consistent fish consumption is less likely to have a significant impact on warfarin therapy compared to the potential self-administration of vitamin K tablets.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Alteplase (Activase): Alteplase is a thrombolytic agent used to dissolve blood clots. Concurrent use with clopidogrel, an antiplatelet medication, can increase the risk of bleeding due to additive effects on clotting. Therefore, it's important to consult the doctor before using these medications together.
B. Diltiazem: Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension and certain heart rhythm disorders. Diltiazem will decrease the level or effect of clopidogrel by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Therefore, it's advisable to consult the doctor before using these medications together.
C. Ibuprofen: Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and inflammation. Like other NSAIDs, it can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with clopidogrel. Therefore, it's important to consult the doctor before using these medications together.
D. Aspirin: Aspirin is another antiplatelet medication commonly used to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Combining clopidogrel with aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding without significantly improving outcomes in most cases. However, in some situations, such as after certain cardiac procedures, dual antiplatelet therapy (clopidogrel plus aspirin) may be prescribed under close medical supervision. Therefore, it's crucial to consult the doctor before using these medications together.
E. Coumadin (warfarin): Coumadin is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clots. Concurrent use with clopidogrel can increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, it's essential to consult the doctor before using these medications together.
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